JOHN 11:4

The more I live is the more I realize how breakable and fragile we all are. Almost suddenly and without warning we can break down, our health can fail and our fortunes can change. Our lives as we know it can fall apart and the biblical reality sets in “Man that is born of a woman is of a few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). This verse of course, emphasizes both the brevity and hardship of human life.

These truths are borne out for us in our passage of reflection. It dramatically begins with the formidable sickness of Lazarus. However, instead of things getting better, they rapidly, progressively become worse. From the opening verse we are told that Lazarus was sick. Just a few verses later, the inevitable happens, Lazarus dies – Lazarus who so intensely loved Jesus!

Admittedly sometimes when we are young and healthy we seem to think that we are immortal. Even as believers, sometimes we are tempted to think we have this pact with God that we are immune from certain diseases and ill health. However, from the Scriptures we are informed otherwise. We are informed of another reality, the possibility of sudden sickness and the inevitability of death. To preach that believers never get sick or should not get sick is completely erroneous.

Jesus’ response on hearing of Lazarus’ sickness still remains a point of great fascination to many of us. When He heard that Lazarus, his friend, was sick He calmly responded “. . . This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby” (John 11:4). The fact is, so many times when we hear of sickness or have to deal with sickness, the first thing that comes to mind is to rebuke the sickness, sin, death and the devil. Very rarely do we think about the glory of God or God being glorified! Yet, this is what Jesus said. This is not for death! This is not to undo or destroy Lazarus’ faith and trust in the Almighty!

I challenge the household of faith to change our perspective and even our prayers when sickness occurs. May we first ask and petition that the God whom we faithfully serve be glorified, even in our sickness and furthermore in all of our dilemmas. I trust that we would be encouraged to know that even in our weakest points, He never deserts us or gives us over to the powers of darkness. His plan and aim is to be glorified in and through us. Have you ever considered that your sickness may be an excellent opportunity for the work of God to be demonstrated and for His power to be manifested? Even this that you are going through is for the glory of God!